“Words can be like X-rays if you use them properly – they’ll go through anything.” — Aldous Huxley, Brave New World
Kick back with a warm cup of your favorite beverage and read something new. Each is inspired by the latest weekly writing prompt. Read alongside your neighbors and friends and don’t hesitate to add supportive comments on the work that resonates with you!
If I Had Only Known by Duane L. Herrmann
If I had known, when I turned sixteen, that during the next year my father would die, I would have done so much so differently, … Continue reading If I Had Only Known by Duane L. Herrmann
Nothing Said is Best by Linda Freedland
Sometimes, even with our best friends, we need to keep our mouths shut. Don’t be too honest, and don’t tell them everything. That’s certainly the … Continue reading Nothing Said is Best by Linda Freedland
Rights, responsibilities, risks, rewards, regrets…. by Kathy Barlow
Regrets can take many forms – that opportunity not taken, that relationship which collapsed, the hurt feelings from harsh words – and each category can … Continue reading Rights, responsibilities, risks, rewards, regrets…. by Kathy Barlow
I wish I never said… by Bridget Cole
If I could take back the words I’ve said, these three would be the ones.“You’re not petite.” I said those to my mother as she … Continue reading I wish I never said… by Bridget Cole
Honesty Is the Best Policy by June Hannay Kosier
“It does not require many words to speak the truth.” – Chief Joseph I am not known for having a foul mouth. Nurses are sometimes … Continue reading Honesty Is the Best Policy by June Hannay Kosier
Surprise in the Woods by Duane L Herrmann
I am now the owner of a slice of the farm where I grew up seventy eyars ago. This slice is bound on the east … Continue reading Surprise in the Woods by Duane L Herrmann
No Picnic Today by Linda Freedland
Jon was an interesting blend of Grizzly Adams and Bear Grylls. A collector of weaponry, with an arsenal of guns, bows and arrows, knives and … Continue reading No Picnic Today by Linda Freedland
The Clue in the Eyes by June Hannay Kosier
The detective looked at the dead body with the vacant eyes found in the forest and tried to evade his thoughts for the moment. Too … Continue reading The Clue in the Eyes by June Hannay Kosier
What I’m Trying to Leave Behind by Duane L. Herrmann
I am trying to let go and abandon the negative things my mother said to and about me when I was a child. Her most … Continue reading What I’m Trying to Leave Behind by Duane L. Herrmann
My Future by Bridget Cole
Finally I have made the choice to stand up to an abusive husband. For years I suffered in silence. I accepted his verbal abuse, his … Continue reading My Future by Bridget Cole
The Cookie Jar by June Hannay Kosier
This piece was written in the Spring of 2020 “People have got to learn: if they don’t have cookies in the cookie jar, they can’t … Continue reading The Cookie Jar by June Hannay Kosier
Reflection on an Overcast Morning by Rex Trobridge
An overcast dims the morning light, the top of 6th Lake Mountain obscured by cloud. The birds call out, in warning or in joyful greeting, … Continue reading Reflection on an Overcast Morning by Rex Trobridge
Storms by Joni Youse
Flurries begin, ever so slowlyIntensity increases, blinding white powderCovering the ground as you covered meOne touch at a timeUntil the sky is exhaustedThe first storm … Continue reading Storms by Joni Youse
The First Storm of the Year by Samantha Terrell
Creeps up the esophagus,Tickles the ear canal,Heightens awareness.A stray leafBlowing across the streetSuddenly seems significant.Clouds forming overhead buildMore than anticipation.Now, there is expectation –Hope, that … Continue reading The First Storm of the Year by Samantha Terrell
New Year Snow Day by Duane L Herrmann
It was the first storm of the year, two days after Naw-Ruz, the first day of spring, the first day of a new year. The … Continue reading New Year Snow Day by Duane L Herrmann
A Gathering of Storms by Randy Kritkausky
It was the first storm of the year, and all of those who wished to be big names in the coming hurricane season were gathered … Continue reading A Gathering of Storms by Randy Kritkausky
The Wadzoosen by Edward Pontacoloni
It was the first big storm of the year, and it caught Abe and Ginger unawares while they were lost hiking in the Five Ponds … Continue reading The Wadzoosen by Edward Pontacoloni
To Shovel or Not to Shovel by June Hannay Kosier
Back in the early ‘80s, my husband, John, worked on the grounds crew at the Albany County Airport. That meant when it snowed, he drove … Continue reading To Shovel or Not to Shovel by June Hannay Kosier
Elizabeth’s Nightmare by June Kosier
It doesn’t pay to read to your daughter before bed and then have a glass of wine while watching the 10:00 news on a stormy … Continue reading Elizabeth’s Nightmare by June Kosier
Marianne No Longer Travels with Me by June Kosier
Before I retired, I was a dialysis nurse at the VA and belonged to a professional group known as the ANNA which stood for the … Continue reading Marianne No Longer Travels with Me by June Kosier
Brother & Sister #2 by Leslie Sittner
“Jeez, Hon, this reminds me of the lower east side at home in New York City. Check it out!” My Fellow agrees with a smile … Continue reading Brother & Sister #2 by Leslie Sittner
A GHOSTLY VACATION IN THE ADIRONDACKS by Edward Pontacoloni
The ghost of Harold Harwood haunts the Hamlet of Ironville in Essex County, New York, The hamlet is just a neighborhood, really: the Congregational Church … Continue reading A GHOSTLY VACATION IN THE ADIRONDACKS by Edward Pontacoloni
A Vacation I’d Rather Forget by Duane L. Herrmann
I don’t want to associate the experience with the word ‘vacation,’ but it was a trip away from home. Many details of that nightmare trip … Continue reading A Vacation I’d Rather Forget by Duane L. Herrmann
Strangers Passing Through Town by Duane L. Herrmann
“Mabel! Mabel!” John excitedly jostled his wife in bed sound asleep as soon as he got to his home in Phillipsburg, Kansas. He hadn’t yet … Continue reading Strangers Passing Through Town by Duane L. Herrmann
Untitled by Leslie Sittner
ascertain-assiduous-derivative-existential-plethora-prudent-Sisyphean-subsequent-trepidation-worrisome At first he knew that it was an existential problem—that sadly, a worrisome decision he must make. While he was normally assiduous in his … Continue reading Untitled by Leslie Sittner
Ma by June Kosier
I would like to tell you about my great grandmother. Her name is June, but everyone in our house calls her “Ma”. I am her … Continue reading Ma by June Kosier
Library Post card by Duane L. Herrmann
It was a library, an ancient one, I could tell by the style of the shelves and stairs. No library like that had been built … Continue reading Library Post card by Duane L. Herrmann
Escape Haiku by Leslie Sittner
No warning. Card says“Arrive Friday for a week”Too bad we’ll be gone
Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind.” by June Kosier
Calvin CoolidgeChristmas In July The last post card I received was an antique one commemorating the poem “Twas the Night Before Christmas” I did not … Continue reading Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind.” by June Kosier
To Peggy Across the Universe by Diane Kendall Stevens
I’m writing to you to see how you are, thankful that we’ve found a way to communicate across this vast distance between us and eager … Continue reading To Peggy Across the Universe by Diane Kendall Stevens
Writing to Artemin Prime by Duane L. Herrmann
Dear Xrjot, Earth is having a bit of a time now. The climate is going out of balance, but the people and corporations with money … Continue reading Writing to Artemin Prime by Duane L. Herrmann
Unlikely Friends by Leslie Sittner
November 5, 1963 Dear Jerome, Thank you so much for passing me your full address at the prison today. I’m not sure if it is … Continue reading Unlikely Friends by Leslie Sittner
In the Waiting Room by Karen M. Titherington
“But, I’m the patient!” She met the eyes of a stranger in the waiting room in an oncology center. He was coughing and resting simultaneously. … Continue reading In the Waiting Room by Karen M. Titherington
What is This Age? by Duane L. Herrmann
“We’re in an age of transition,” the man remarked to his companion as they passed by me. I didn’t know what transition they were talking … Continue reading What is This Age? by Duane L. Herrmann
The Invasion by Leslie Sittner
“So sad. So very sad. But there’s hope for recovery.” She’s slowly shaking her head as her ancient German shepherd tugs on his leash. Her … Continue reading The Invasion by Leslie Sittner
“Dodging the bullet” by Linda Freedland
“You know I’d love to have you both over for dinner, but my oven and stove died.” This statement was uttered by a woman, seated … Continue reading “Dodging the bullet” by Linda Freedland
The Right Combination by Nancy Kimball
“I forgot the combination.” A comment I overheard in the ladies locker room at the local Y. The facility had just opened the locker … Continue reading The Right Combination by Nancy Kimball
Ode to this Desk by Amy Quinn
This desk isn’t much to look at. It’s not a show-stopper like the one behind me: blond maple with a black laminate in-laid surface, two … Continue reading Ode to this Desk by Amy Quinn
Sight Unseen by Joni Youse
You are the second thing I reach foreach morning, rolling overstill cocooned in the last few moments of sleep.Metal appendage, glass covered in fingerprints.Mine, yours, … Continue reading Sight Unseen by Joni Youse
Seeds Of Gratitude by Mary Perrin Scott
The month is MarchPackets of possibility arriveThe seed trays are waitingCarefully little seedsAre planted in the trayOf cups. Gently watered The sunroom nurturesTheir daily growth … Continue reading Seeds Of Gratitude by Mary Perrin Scott
Ode to My Coffee Maker by T. Mary Tallon
Oh classic Cuisinart coffee maker, how I adore theeFor each morning you beckon me out of slumberWith your, not too loud so as to wake … Continue reading Ode to My Coffee Maker by T. Mary Tallon
Ode to our kitchen table by Kathy Barlow
We gathered round the kitchen table,Complete with six strong chairs,Confident we had learnt the fableOf how a family fares.Built from ash hewn miles away,When furniture … Continue reading Ode to our kitchen table by Kathy Barlow
STACKS FROM TREES by Duane L. Herrmann
It is paper,it is treeschewed upreconstitutedinto thin, flat sheetsthat fill my roomin stacks and stackswith little order,but they are minechosen by mefor some purposeI may, … Continue reading STACKS FROM TREES by Duane L. Herrmann
The Vagaries of Memory by Leslie Sittner
Memory dissolves life eventsor freezes them in timeor floods them with confusionor drowns them in denial Memory can chip away at consciencecan harden the heartcan … Continue reading The Vagaries of Memory by Leslie Sittner
Goodbye Daddy by Joni Youse
I don’t dare to stay long…I said to the mirrorI never wanted tosay goodbye to youI never wanted youto see me cryYou are goneyet you … Continue reading Goodbye Daddy by Joni Youse
One Last Adventure by Duane L. Herrmann
Two men were out for a drive. They could have been father and son, but were not. They were just friends, the younger one taking … Continue reading One Last Adventure by Duane L. Herrmann
The Cake by Linda McKenney
The house was deeply quiet as everyone was asleep. Leaving the coolness of the window fan in her bedroom, she slinked out the door into … Continue reading The Cake by Linda McKenney
Fireflies Among the Bedrock by Linda Freedland
I sat, overlooking the green lush hills of Sorrento. I came here to escape. Escape the rejection, the humiliation of a marriage in shambles, the … Continue reading Fireflies Among the Bedrock by Linda Freedland
As My Mother Told Me by Duane L. Herrmann
It was an early summer evening. The sun had just set. In the gradually increasing darkness, little lights began to rise from the tall grass. … Continue reading As My Mother Told Me by Duane L. Herrmann
Schroon Lake Haiku by Leslie Sittner
one-room log cabinisolated in the woodsout-house, spring water darkness. the bonfirefireflies guide us to the dockwhere we catch sunfish toast fish on a stickover fire. … Continue reading Schroon Lake Haiku by Leslie Sittner
Operation: Investigation – Exo-three by Duane L. Herrmann
“Gorak!” Barked Team Leader soundlessly. “If you don’t comply, you’ll be sent back and someone else will finish this Observation!” “Yes, Your Most Excellent Expediency,” … Continue reading Operation: Investigation – Exo-three by Duane L. Herrmann
THE FLAVOR OF VINEGAR by Nicky Falck
When Richard ate a pickled red pepper on a dare, it did not invoke a similar degree of risk had he agreed to bungee jump … Continue reading THE FLAVOR OF VINEGAR by Nicky Falck
Proctor is a Mean Old Man by Duane L. Herrmann
“I dare you to write the truth about Mr. Proctor,” Jimmy taunted. “All right. I will!” Terry exclaimed. ‘No. Don’t do it.” Siri protested. ‘Mr. … Continue reading Proctor is a Mean Old Man by Duane L. Herrmann
Every Person Would be Taught by Duane L. Herrmann
If it were up to me every person would be taught that this life is a preparatory stage for our real life after death. Just … Continue reading Every Person Would be Taught by Duane L. Herrmann
The Thief Amnesia by Edward Pontacoloni
I can’t remember my password,or even ever my user Id.My circumstances are awkward.Google doesn’t remember me,and I can’t recall myself. All around are remnants of … Continue reading The Thief Amnesia by Edward Pontacoloni
Chronic Small Vessel Brain Disease and the Fisher by Leslie Sittner
My grandsons and I are hiking around in hot July woods with the dog when, “Boys, maybe we’ll see this unusual wild creature I’ve seen … Continue reading Chronic Small Vessel Brain Disease and the Fisher by Leslie Sittner
Cheetos, the Pig and I by Linda Freedland
I was fine until that virtual wine tasting. The host suggested we all put together a tray of plain, unseasoned crackers, some type of charcuterie, … Continue reading Cheetos, the Pig and I by Linda Freedland
I, Me, Mind by Edward Pontacoloni
“Hey, whaddya doin? Didn’ I tell you that you can’t eat that junk food?” “Wahddya mean? You’re the one with the weight problem, not me.” … Continue reading I, Me, Mind by Edward Pontacoloni
If Dreams Could Come True by June Hannay Kosier
Reaching for a bag of Lay’s potato chips, I see another hand reaching for the same bag. I look at the person attached to the … Continue reading If Dreams Could Come True by June Hannay Kosier
Encouraging Words by Duane L. Herrmann
I was in the store getting a few things. I reached up to grab a bag of chips and, out of the corner of my … Continue reading Encouraging Words by Duane L. Herrmann
The Reflection by Kathy Barlow
The small plane hovered on the horizon, mostly obscured by the trees in the full fall foliage. The plane was festooned with yellow, gold, and … Continue reading The Reflection by Kathy Barlow
An ordinary life: Meeting Up With Myself by Eilene Susan Wenner
It was quite unexpected, and yet my sister and I have talked about this moment when I was in my twenties. Why I would be … Continue reading An ordinary life: Meeting Up With Myself by Eilene Susan Wenner
Contest Winner by Duane L. Herrmann
I was flabbergasted to be asked to judge the pie contest this year. What an honor! I’d been making pies since I was a little … Continue reading Contest Winner by Duane L. Herrmann
Whoops! by Carol Schupp Star
Apple pieCherry PiePumpkin pieBlackberry pieGaloreEating all no choreAnnual hometown pie contestNo more, no less!But what’s this?Who’s gagging?Mrs. Smith?Oh no!If it weren’t for the pie!We don’t … Continue reading Whoops! by Carol Schupp Star
The Pie Revenge by Ted Cox
I’m not quite sure, but I seem to be lying on my back on the floor with people standing around me and I’m passing in … Continue reading The Pie Revenge by Ted Cox
Piezazz by Edward Pontacoloni
Editor’s note: The following narrative is by Homer Agee, the judge of the 2020 Warren County Harvest Fair pie contest. Mr. Agee did not know … Continue reading Piezazz by Edward Pontacoloni
A Poisoned Pie by B.L. Miller
The annual pie contest in Starglow took place every 8th of May. Somehow, I got roped into being one of the judges this year. There … Continue reading A Poisoned Pie by B.L. Miller
Poisoned Pie Contest by Jane VanCantfort
Nannie Doss’ Award Winning Apple Prune Pie The county fair was back in full force this year, they had cancelled it when the pandemic struck, … Continue reading Poisoned Pie Contest by Jane VanCantfort
Hazards of Pie Contests by Eilene Susan Wenner
Ate some pies;Then I died;Don’t know why;A person would try;to kill some judges;who only desired;to give out some ribbons;to the best local pie-er; The hospital, … Continue reading Hazards of Pie Contests by Eilene Susan Wenner
Pie Number 2 by June Hannay Kosier
My name is Elizabeth Crocker and I am going to tell you about the day I thought I was going to die. It was in … Continue reading Pie Number 2 by June Hannay Kosier
Helping Out by by Duane L. Herrmann
“Why don’t you ask Granma to help you?” Orion’s mother suggested.“But she’d dead!” He objected.“So? That only means she won’t be distracted by other things … Continue reading Helping Out by by Duane L. Herrmann
Seeking Cozy Mystery by Diane Kendall Stevens
“I need a cozy murder mystery to snuggle up with,” Jenny said, looking out the window at the rain, which was bringing down the remaining … Continue reading Seeking Cozy Mystery by Diane Kendall Stevens
Robert and I – A Ghost Story by Linda Freedland
I stared at three photos of a woman I’d placed side by side on my desk. Flame red hair and green eyes. A very attractive … Continue reading Robert and I – A Ghost Story by Linda Freedland
The Typewriter Mystery by June Hannay Kosier
Tuesday“Hi, Joanne! I am calling you to let you know that I am all moved in to the farm house.”“I miss you already, Therese. To … Continue reading The Typewriter Mystery by June Hannay Kosier
The Case of the Missing Mascot by Edward Pontacoloni
I was still in bed when the phone rang. I rolled over to the end table, picked up my phone, and looked at the screen…a … Continue reading The Case of the Missing Mascot by Edward Pontacoloni
Ghostly Assistance by Mary Perrin Scott
Paul and Mary, local small- town detectives, were known for solving crimes. Now that Mary had died, what was Paul to do? He had never … Continue reading Ghostly Assistance by Mary Perrin Scott
A Mystery and A Ghost by B.L. Miller
Mrs. Sofiya Maria Doyle was a simple woman. She was married for twenty years to her husband Ivan, she had two sons, and attended mass … Continue reading A Mystery and A Ghost by B.L. Miller
The Inspector & His Specter Haiku by Leslie Sittner
Hank snaps his fingerscalling his muse to appearPooffin shows herself O-O-O-O-O, what’s the project?she floats above his old deskHank says, “missing dog” they want their … Continue reading The Inspector & His Specter Haiku by Leslie Sittner
A Little More Than Pictures by Eilene Susan Wenner
The office seemed almost quiet for a police department. No phones were ringing, everyone was sitting around shifting papers from drawers or file cabinets, to … Continue reading A Little More Than Pictures by Eilene Susan Wenner
House Risk by Duane L. Herrmann
I took a risk when I signed the contract to build a house. I was a Librarian. I was not a carpenter. I was not … Continue reading House Risk by Duane L. Herrmann
I took a risk? When? To attain what? by Jeff Cochran
I was standing on the step that says, “THIS IS NOT A STEP”, and the ladder popped out from under me. My forehead hit the … Continue reading I took a risk? When? To attain what? by Jeff Cochran
A Writer’s Risk by Linda Freedland
I’m going to put it right out there. I’m not a big risk-taker. I’ve always played it safe, a fact my son is almost ashamed … Continue reading A Writer’s Risk by Linda Freedland
The Delight of Alpine Skiing by Mary Perrin Scott
Skiing in the Swiss Alps is terrific fun and challenging. I was nineteen years old when my parents took our family to Davos, Switzerland to … Continue reading The Delight of Alpine Skiing by Mary Perrin Scott
Lake Effect Snow by William Gilbert
The lake effect snowstorms that churn up over the open waters of Lake Ontario are of epic proportions. It is not uncommon to receive dumpings … Continue reading Lake Effect Snow by William Gilbert
The Book by Linda A McKenney
The clandestine handoff occurred on the grey asphalt ribbon, sandwiched between the Hudson River and the two-story brick building.“I’ve got a really cool book for … Continue reading The Book by Linda A McKenney
I, Columbus by Edward Pontacoloni
I took a risk when I sailedover the edge of the earth.I knew that I would befree falling, tumbling about in the darknessamong the celestials,like … Continue reading I, Columbus by Edward Pontacoloni
Mysteries In The Big Easy-Prologue by B.L. Miller
I took a risk when I decided to move from New York City to New Orleans. I was an artist, a painter with a case … Continue reading Mysteries In The Big Easy-Prologue by B.L. Miller
Finding My Bad-Boy by Leslie Sittner
I’m sitting in a suburban golf club bar with twenty old high school classmates. It’s Friday night of our 25th high school reunion weekend. I’ve … Continue reading Finding My Bad-Boy by Leslie Sittner
Possibility by Judith Parsley
Here was the man I thought I wanted to marry, but. . .His stories of abuse frightened me. I came from a loving home. I … Continue reading Possibility by Judith Parsley
The Scottish Dutchman by June Hannay Kosier
I was raised to believe I was Dutch on my father’s side. My father was raised in the Dutch Reformed Church and his family was … Continue reading The Scottish Dutchman by June Hannay Kosier
A Forced Reckoning by Diane Kendall Stevens
I was raised to believe that around us were people with stories of struggle we would never guess. Empathy and compassion were part of every … Continue reading A Forced Reckoning by Diane Kendall Stevens
Red Pistachios and All My Children by tinadebellegarde
Rushing out of the pool. Drenched. Wrapping towels around our waists and dropping to our knees before the television god. One o’clock. All My Children. … Continue reading Red Pistachios and All My Children by tinadebellegarde
HB No. 2 by Edward Pontacoloni
I was raised to believe in the Ticonderoga HB No. 2 (soft) Graphite Pencil. And, although I am older now, and although I have a … Continue reading HB No. 2 by Edward Pontacoloni
R.E.S.P.E.C.T. by Linda Freedland
My parents taught me many things…as parents are expected to do…. and hopefully, the right things. Among these, I was raised to believe in myself, … Continue reading R.E.S.P.E.C.T. by Linda Freedland
The Birds and the Bees Talk by Leslie Sittner
She takes a deep drag on her Old Gold cigarette, slowly blows the blue-ish smoke out through her nose, clears her throat, pauses, says, “You’re … Continue reading The Birds and the Bees Talk by Leslie Sittner
I was raised to believe by Mary Perrin Scott
I was raised to believe that everyone is created equal. When I was a teenager, my parents encouraged me to work at a local summer … Continue reading I was raised to believe by Mary Perrin Scott
Grounded by Lorraine Caramanna
I walked on water. Back in the day, my little brother thought that was the greatest thing in the world – walking on water. His … Continue reading Grounded by Lorraine Caramanna
An Ordinary Life: THE FAMILY; what they taught me by Eilene Susan Wenner
I was raised to believe that all things are possible, and anything can happen in this life we are living. It’s curious that I was … Continue reading An Ordinary Life: THE FAMILY; what they taught me by Eilene Susan Wenner
Can’t Sleep by Duane L. Herrmann
Wood mites eatpaper under bed,cockroaches feaston companion dead,silverfish climbup the wall beside…Clothes hang to drywhipped into frenzyby wild wind,and flower openscalls in colors:“I’m here! I’m … Continue reading Can’t Sleep by Duane L. Herrmann
Wide Wake at 3:00 A.M. by Linda Freedland
I’ve never been one for lying awake thinking about all the things that could, should or would go wrong in the upcoming days, weeks or … Continue reading Wide Wake at 3:00 A.M. by Linda Freedland
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